Satellite Command Conflict Resolution via Mediator Architecture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Satellites shared among multiple operators face conflicts in command processing and security issues when multiple entities access and control satellite resources, leading to undesired operations and data exposure.
Innovation Solution
A satellite control system comprising a communications system and an information management system that receives commands from multiple operators, processes them to avoid conflicts, and provides a desired level of security through encryption, routing, and command management, ensuring that each operator can only access and control assigned resources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple operators are allowed to access and control satellite resources, then satellite revenue and resource utilization are improved, but command conflicts and security issues arise leading to undesired operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a payload controller as an intermediary component that receives commands from multiple operator controllers, processes them sequentially, and translates them into device-specific commands. This mediator architecture allows multiple operators to access satellite resources simultaneously while maintaining command integrity and preventing conflicts, thus resolving the contradiction between improved resource utilization and maintained execution reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the command processing architecture into distinct layers: operator controllers, a central payload controller, and device controllers. This segmentation allows independent operation of each component while maintaining coordinated control, enabling multiple operators to control different satellite resources without direct interference, thereby improving productivity while maintaining reliability through structured separation
2Ease of operation
If separate controllers and hardware are provided for each customer to control leased portions of the satellite, then customer control capability is improved, but satellite cost and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control functions of multiple operators into a single shared payload controller rather than providing separate hardware controllers for each customer. This consolidated controller receives commands from multiple operator controllers and processes them sequentially, providing full control capability to each customer while sharing the same physical hardware, thus improving ease of operation without increasing satellite weight
Solution Approach 2:
The payload controller is designed as a universal component that can handle commands from multiple different operators and control multiple different satellite devices. This multi-functional controller serves all customers' control needs through a single hardware platform, eliminating the need for redundant controllers and thereby reducing overall satellite weight while maintaining full operational capability for each customer
Data Source
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AI summary
A satellite control system comprising a communications system and an information management system. The communications system is configured to receive commands from a plurality of operators. The communications system is further configured to send the commands to a satellite using a number of communications links. The information management system may be configured to avoid conflicts between the commands sent by the communications system to the satellite from different operators in the plurality of operators that cause an undesired operation of the satellite. The information management system may be configured to provide a desired level of security for information sent between the plurality of operators and the satellite.